How Long Do Water Damage Repairs Take and Why?

Here’s what you should expect from dreaded water damage repairs.

Are water damage repairs on your back-to-school list? Probably not. But if you have water in your house, it’s going to end up at the top of your priority list whether you like it or not. Understanding the ins and outs of dealing with water damage can take the uncertainty and dread out of the process. Here’s the lowdown on water damage repair, including how long it takes. Finally, you’ll also learn why it takes so long.

What Constitutes Water Damage?

Water damage is defined as the presence of water where it doesn’t naturally flow that can cause damage or loss including wood rot, rust, material de-lamination, and mold growth.

When water damage occurs it can cause the materials that make up the construction of your home to need repair or replacement, and it can damage or destroy the furniture, appliances, and belongings in the home as well. It can be as minor as water spots or as major as a complete destruction of property.

What Causes Water Damage Besides a Natural Disaster?

First, it’s important to understand that water damage in a home can come from a variety of sources. In Atlanta, rain and flooding aren’t generally the most common causes. Instead, residential water damage can often come from something as simple as a leaky faucet to something as major as frozen pipes that burst.

You could end up with damaged pipes and drains to sinks, appliances, and even air conditioner drains. Also you might have leaking toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Furthermore, you might even have damage to your roof or siding from a storm. These are some of the most common reasons you’ll find water in your home where you don’t want it.

What Happens During Water Damage Repair?

A good restoration company will go through a series of steps to ensure proper and complete repair and restoration of your home.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

24-hour emergency response when you have water in your home

Damage assessment

Water extraction to remove as much water as possible, as quickly as possible

Drying of the area and the structure including use of industrial fans, specialty flooring, cavity, under cabinet, and inner-wall drying equipment, and dehumidifiers

Antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold and bacteria

Dry cleaning of the area and the personal property affected by the water

Floor, carpet, and upholstery cleaning

Sewage cleanup, if necessary

Mold inspection and treatment, if necessary

Repair and reconstruction of property and home structure

Deodorizing

Restoration of furniture, documents, and electronics

And finally, air scrubbing to remove any lingering odors from the water

How Long Does It Take to Complete Water Damage Repairs?

Restoration after the presence of indoor water isn’t always a long and drawn out process. It really depends on how much water was involved, how long it sat before it was discovered, and the extent of the damage. Ultimately, making sure the restoration is done properly is going to prevent future damage and additional, costly repairs down the road.

First, it’s important to understand that this isn’t a task you should try to manage yourself. When you have water in your house, it can affect areas you can’t see, with results you can’t imagine. Having a professional team come to evaluate the damage and create a treatment plan is crucial. Patience is key during the cleanup, but don’t wait to make the call when you see water. In the end, the longer it sits, the more damage it can, and will, do.

Atlanta’s Water Damage Experts

If you have water damage in your Atlanta house, timing is critical. Therefore, the sooner the process gets started, the more likely you’ll have a complete and successful cleanup. Trusting a team of professionals with experience and state-of-the-art equipment is the best way to get the results you need, in a timeframe that works for you and your life.